Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This is the first unit in the Global MD Primary Care longitudinal stream which extends over the first 2 years of the Global MD program. This Unit introduces students to the philosophy and foundational principles of Primary Care. There is a focus on AMC Domain 2: Clinical Practice, Domain 3: Health and Society, Domain 4: Professionalism & Leadership?.

Concepts of professional behaviour, medical ethics, the patient perspective and patient-centred care will be introduced. Foundations of Medical Sciences and Global Medicine principles and unit content will be applied to clinical aspects of primary care. Foundational communication skills, clinical reasoning, team dynamics, clinical leadership and history taking will be explored in order to provide an Australian context for the communication and clinical skills components of the upcoming Integrated Medical Systems units. Principles of adult learning, self-reflection, personal development and lifelong learning will be studied as relevant to scaffold subsequent clinical professional standards and examinations (e.g. OSCE and USMLE preparation).

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) define and demonstrate professional behaviour in the educational and clinical settings.; (2) outline the principles of reflective practice, and recognise personal abilities, challenges and health needs, and Primary Care roles of support services; (3) describe major bioethical issues in the doctor-patient relationship and develop suitable knowledge and skills to address these.; (4) discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in society and its influence on beliefs and values surrounding health; (5) outline issues related to the patient's perspectives of health, illness and healthcare experiences; (6) explain the elements of medical consultation and the principles of clinical reasoning.; (7) outline the organisation of primary health care systems and their delivery, including the benefits of interprofessional practice; (8) outline principles of learning, identify personal learning needs, and implement a personal learning plan; (9) merge clinical and scientific knowledge in preparation for USMLE step 1; and (10) perform Basic Life Support safely.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-semester assessments; (2) end of semester assessment; and (3) professional behaviour and attendance. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the professional behaviour and attendance component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Helen Wilcox
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
92850 Doctor of Medicine (Global)
Co-requisites
GMED4101 Global Medicine
and GMED4102 Foundations of Medical Science
Advisable prior study
Following the first year of delivery and contingent on evaluation and resourcing, this may also be taken as a review unit for UWA MD students who do not successfully complete Year 1 of the standard UWA MD and also as a preparatory unit for applicants from specialist admission pathways for the standard UWA MD, such as the Rural, Indigenous
or International pathways.
Approved quota: 105—selection for the Global MD will be overseen with the Medical School's Medicine and Dentistry Admission and Selection Committee, and be consistent with the approved and advertised selection processes for the standard UWA MD (course code 91850).
Contact hours
3-5 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.